Thursday, May 5, 2011

Mormon Transhumanist Association

The Mormon Transhumanist Association is an international nonprofit organization that promotes practical faith in human exaltation through charitable use of science and technology, as outlined in the Transhumanist Declaration and the Mormon Transhumanist Affirmation. We support discussion and public awareness of emerging technologies, defend the right of individuals in free and democratic societies to adopt technologies that expand human capacities, and anticipate and propose solutions for the potential consequences of emerging technologies. Although we are neither a religious organization nor affiliated with any religious organization, we support our members in their personal religious affiliations, and encourage them to adapt Transhumanism to their unique situations.

What is the relation between Mormonism and Transhumanism?

Increasingly, persons are recognizing parallels and complements between Mormon and Transhumanist views. On the one hand, Mormonism is a religious ideology of the Judeo-Christian tradition that advocates faith in God leading to salvation. On the other hand, Transhumanism is a mostly secular ideology that advocates ethical use of technology to extend human capabilities. However, Mormonism and Transhumanism advocate remarkably similar views of human nature and its future: material beings organized according to law, rapidly advancing knowledge and power, imminent fundamental changes to anatomy and environment, and eventual transcendence of present limitations. Resources available through this site provide details on the relation between Mormon and Transhumanist views.

When was the Mormon Transhumanist Association organized?

The 14 founding members of the Mormon Transhumanist Association began organizing on 3 March 2006 and adopted a constitution on 13 May 2006. We incorporated in Utah of the United States on 4 August 2006, and received 501c3 nonprofit status in the United States, effective the same date. We affiliated with Humanity+ (formerly the World Transhumanist Association) on 6 July 2006, remained affiliated until Humanity+ discontinued all affiliations on 6 April 2010, and renewed our affiliation with Humanity+ on 2 October 2010.

Who are members of the Mormon Transhumanist Association?

At the end of 2010, the Mormon Transhumanist Association consisted of 120 members, with approximately 40% living in Utah and 87% living in the United States. According to a survey in 2010, 77% of our members were also members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the largest Mormon denomination) and 77% identified as theists. On cultural politics, 51% identified as progressive, 28% as moderate and 7% as conservative. On economic politics, 35% identified as conservative, 33% as moderate and 21% as progressive. All members of the association support the Transhumanist Declaration and the Mormon Transhumanist Affirmation.

What does the Mormon Transhumanist Association do?

The Mormon Transhumanist Association shares news and blogs about the intersection of Mormonism with science and technology and Transhumanism with religion and spirituality. We engage as a community in discussions and conferences about prophetic vision, scientific discovery, technological innovation, as well as opportunities and risks in our rapidly changing world. We also act with common purpose on team projects to cure disease, and extend and enhance life.

How can I help the Mormon Transhumanist Association?

Help the Mormon Transhumanist Association promote practical faith in human exaltation through charitable use of science and technology. Join the association and engage in online or offline discussions. Link your web site to ours. Start a blog on religion, science, spirituality or technology, and tell us about it. Attend a conference. Participate in a team project. Donate to the cause. Thank you!